Places to go, things to do

Renaissance Festival

ARRINGTON - Visitors may feel as if they've stepped into another century at the annual Tennessee Renaissance Festival. Walk through the village of Covington Glen from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday in May to experience the bustle of a Renaissance marketplace, featuring more than 60 skilled artisans from all over the country displaying wares from silks to swords, mead to jewels. Enjoy the tastes of specialty foods and drinks, and hear the sounds of Renaissance music as it echos through the trees. Check out the free children's activities, and don't forget to watch the challenges of games of skill and man-powered rides. Located off state Route 96 between the towns of Franklin and Murfreesboro, the Tennessee Renaissance Festival is held at 2124 New Castle Road, Arrington. Tickets are $20 for a one-day pass or $35 for a weekend. Tickets for children ages 6 to 12 are $7 for one day or $12 for the weekend. For more information, or to order tickets, go online to tnrenfest.com.

Strings concert

MURFREESBORO - String students from The Webb School and Central Magnet School will participate in The Murfreesboro String Festival today. Students rehearsed for two days leading up to the event, culminating with today's concert at 4 p.m. Two orchestras comprised of students from Rutherford, Bedford, and Wilson Counties will perform. The conductors are Dr. Greg Wolynec, Director of Bands and Orchestral Studies at Austin Peay State University, and Dr. Emily Crane, coordinator of Orchestral Strings at APSU. Students will perform music of Mozart, Verdi, Rossini and others. The goal of the festival is to introduce young musicians to a wide variety of string music, introduce them to other talented Middle Tennessee string students, encourage retention in the arts and raise community awareness of the importance of music education in our schools. The concert will be held at Central Magnet School's auditorium located at 701 E. Main St. The concert is free and open to the public.

Clean up

MURFREESBORO - Gather as a family, and show your kids the importance of taking care of nature and helping the community. A Stones Throw Away trash pickup along the Stones River Greenway is from 9 a.m. to noon today. Meet at Old Fort Park, Pavilion No. 3. Trash bags, gloves water and snacks will be provided. Wear sturdy shoes and clothes that can get wet and dirty. For more information, call Melinda Tate, 615-893-2141 or mtate@murfreesborotn.gov. Visit bskonline.com for more details.

Craft sale

MURFREESBORO - Day of Hope, a pre-Mother's Day Arts and Crafts Fair, will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today at the Murfreesboro Public Square. The free event will feature live music and performances all day. Food will be available to purchase. Proceeds benefit Way of Hope, a nonprofit that helps homeless women and children. For details, call Brad Blomgren at 615-653-8027 or email rannah@rutherfordwayofhope.com. To rent a booth, email hypeeventsinc@gmail.com.

Art show

MURFREESBORO - Local Artist Kerin Beard's work celebrating the spirit of New Orleans will be featured at the Center for the Arts through the end of the month. The gallery will display original oil paintings that emphasize the Vieux Carrè, the old heart of the city. An opening reception will be held from 4-6 p.m. today and is free and open to the public. The exhibit will feature Beard's "Red Shutter Orleans" pieces, a small collection of New Orleans and French Quarter oil paintings with bright, vibrant colors.

Backyard habits

MURFREESBORO - Wildlife expert Polly Rooker will present "Backyard Habitat Habits" at 10 a.m. today at Barfield Crescent Park Wilderness Station, 697 Veterans Parkway. Rooker has worked with Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency for 35 years and now works as a state wildlife biologist with species of great concern in the state. The program, which is geared toward adults, is free and open to the public. Call 615-217-3017.

Discovery Center

MURFREESBORO - Parents, do you need a night out? Take your kids to Discovery Center at Murfree Spring, 502 S.E. Broad St., between 6 and 9:30 p.m. today for Parents' Night Out. Kids have a blast with crafts, snacks, creative play and fun. Ages 4-12 can participate. Cost is $20 for one child and $15 for each additional child. Register online at explorethedc.org.

'The Little Mermaid'

MURFREESBORO - The Center for the Arts teams up with Bradley Academy Musical Theatre to present "The Little Mermaid" with a performance at 7 p.m. today and again May 17 and 18. Tickets for ages 5 and older are $5 and available through Bradley Academy elementary school. For more information, or to purchase tickets, call 615-895-2672.

Cabaret at Out Front

MURFREESBORO - Out Front On Main will present its a cabaret show this weekend. Filled with comedy, live Broadway-style music and a bit of improvisation, guests will be treated to a night of entertainment. Bring a date and enjoy a cabaret-style table for two with a complimentary bottle of wine. Tables are available by reservation only. This show is rated PG-13 for mild language. Show times are 7:30 p.m. today and Sunday. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors and $35 for table seating with wine. Out Front On Main is located at 1511 E. Main St.

Shakespeare staged

MURFREESBORO - Enjoy an outdoor performance of "The Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged)" at Murfreesboro Little Theatre, 702 Ewing Blvd., at 7 p.m. today and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children and MLT members. mltarts.com.

'The Borrowers'

WOODBURY - The Arts Center of Cannon County will present "The Borrowers" at 2 p.m. today. Ticket prices are $8 may be purchased by calling the Arts Center box office at 615-563-2787. A $3 discount for students is valid for all performances. artscenterofcc.com.

Puppets on stage

MURFREESBORO - The Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park, 697 Veterans Parkway, hosts a free Puppets on the Porch show at 3 p.m. each Saturday in May. Children of all ages (adults, too) can enjoy lively puppet critters that sing and teach children about the habitats of the forest's residents. Call 615-217-3017 for details.

'Just So Stories'

MURFREESBORO - Sunshine Players presents "The Just So Stories" on stage this weekend at Patterson Park Community Center Theatre, 521 Mercury Blvd. A Dinner theater performance tonight will be held in the dining room of the center beginning at 6 p.m., followed by the performances at 7 o'clock. Tickets for the dinner and show are $15 for adults, $12 for ages 4-17 and 60 and older, and $8 for members. The Sunday show will feature dessert at 1 p.m., followed by the performance at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for ages 4-17 and ages 60 and older, and $5 for members. Call 615-893-7439 or email twomack@murfreesborotn.gov for tickets and information.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Email this article

Places to go, things to do

Visitors may feel as if they've stepped into another century at the annual Tennessee Renaissance Festival. Walk through the village of Covington Glen from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.